Problem
Another important measure of how an economy is performing is the unemployment rate. But there is more to the unemployment rate than just the headline rate reported on the news. In particular we are going to look at the U3 rate (the Headline rate), the U6 rate and the labor force participation rate.
Go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics On their home page from the menu on the right hand side of the page "Latest Numbers" click on Unemployment Rate. On the next page click on "Employment Situation Summary". The December 2014 report should be available.
Read the report. Then using the tables linked from the bottom of the report find: The U3 rate; The U6 rate; and, The labor force participation rate. What are the differences among these measures? Note the percentages of each, what each measure includes and then express your views on what factors may be causing the U6 rate to be roughly twice the U3 rate and what may be causing the decline in the labor participation rate? Is the headline rate used by the most news report misleading?
For your information, here is a summary of the unemployment measures.
• U-3, total unemployed, as a percent of the civilian labor force (this is the definition used for the official unemployment rate);
• U-6, total unemployed, plus all marginally attached workers, plus total employed part time for economic reasons, as a percent of the civilian labor force plus all marginally attached workers.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.